WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.240 We hope that you enjoy this teaching from Christchurch. 00:00:05.240 --> 00:00:11.580 This material is copyrighted and no unauthorized duplication, redistribution, or any other 00:00:11.580 --> 00:00:15.419 ! use of any part is permitted without prior consent from Christchurch. 00:00:15.419 --> 00:00:22.640 Please consider donating to this work in the San Francisco Bay Area online at Christchurcheastbay.org. 00:00:24.980 --> 00:00:25.900 Good morning. 00:00:26.199 --> 00:00:27.160 I'm Denise Yon. 00:00:27.320 --> 00:00:29.379 I'm a member of the San Francisco Community Group. 00:00:29.379 --> 00:00:30.980 And women reading women. 00:00:32.039 --> 00:00:38.219 Today's scripture reading is from Paul's letter to the Philippians, chapter 1, verses 27, through 00:00:38.219 --> 00:00:41.280 chapter 2, verse 11, as printed in your liturgy. 00:00:42.879 --> 00:00:47.840 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. 00:00:48.739 --> 00:00:54.159 Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you 00:00:54.159 --> 00:00:59.219 stand firm in the one spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel. 00:00:59.380 --> 00:01:02.820 Without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. 00:01:03.780 --> 00:01:10.200 This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved, and that by God. 00:01:10.719 --> 00:01:15.320 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also 00:01:15.320 --> 00:01:20.560 to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear 00:01:20.560 --> 00:01:21.420 that I still have. 00:01:21.420 --> 00:01:27.140 Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from 00:01:27.140 --> 00:01:33.359 his love, if any common sharing in the spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make 00:01:33.359 --> 00:01:39.640 my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one 00:01:39.640 --> 00:01:40.040 mind. 00:01:40.040 --> 00:01:43.940 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. 00:01:44.740 --> 00:01:51.040 Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you 00:01:51.040 --> 00:01:52.160 to the interests of others. 00:01:53.360 --> 00:01:58.300 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who, being 00:01:58.300 --> 00:02:03.440 in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own 00:02:03.439 --> 00:02:03.920 advantage. 00:02:04.700 --> 00:02:10.719 Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human 00:02:10.719 --> 00:02:17.020 likeness, and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient 00:02:17.020 --> 00:02:19.460 to death, even death on a cross. 00:02:20.340 --> 00:02:25.319 Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 00:02:25.800 --> 00:02:31.400 that the name of Jesus, every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 00:02:31.400 --> 00:02:37.640 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 00:02:38.460 --> 00:02:39.659 This is the word of the Lord. 00:02:40.319 --> 00:02:41.200 Thanks be to God. 00:02:41.560 --> 00:02:43.080 Thanks, Denise, for that scripture reading. 00:02:43.520 --> 00:02:45.840 And good morning, Christ Church. 00:02:45.920 --> 00:02:46.640 It's good to be back. 00:02:46.759 --> 00:02:49.040 I don't know if you noticed, but I wasn't here last week. 00:02:49.300 --> 00:02:52.360 And I heard everything went beautifully. 00:02:52.680 --> 00:02:56.759 And I really want to just give a shout out to our leaders for stepping up and allowing me 00:02:56.759 --> 00:02:58.980 and Jonathan to get away on vacation. 00:02:59.060 --> 00:02:59.759 Oh, thanks, Sharon. 00:02:59.759 --> 00:03:02.459 It was a really sweet time. 00:03:04.139 --> 00:03:08.259 I'm coming up today, this morning, kind of heavy hearted. 00:03:08.379 --> 00:03:12.239 A part of my trip, you know, we had planned that trip to North Carolina about six months 00:03:12.239 --> 00:03:17.239 ago, but only about less than two months ago, we had found out that the friend I'd be visiting 00:03:17.239 --> 00:03:23.280 in North Carolina, his wife, would be needing to go through chemo and struggling with cancer. 00:03:23.280 --> 00:03:27.840 And by the time I arrived, actually, they were already talking about palliative care. 00:03:28.680 --> 00:03:30.240 And she just passed yesterday. 00:03:30.240 --> 00:03:35.260 So I may actually fly out again this week. 00:03:35.420 --> 00:03:36.780 So just a heads up. 00:03:36.939 --> 00:03:41.580 But I really want to thank the leaders for stepping up and being the church. 00:03:42.000 --> 00:03:44.939 You know, this isn't a one-man, two-man show. 00:03:45.060 --> 00:03:47.160 This is the body of Christ being the church. 00:03:47.480 --> 00:03:50.280 And I love that we can do that as a church family. 00:03:50.280 --> 00:03:52.360 Anyway, let's pray. 00:03:52.680 --> 00:03:56.900 Let's open up the word of God and let's hear what he has to say to us this morning. 00:03:56.900 --> 00:04:12.300 Lord God, we thank you that you are not far from us, from our suffering. 00:04:12.640 --> 00:04:22.519 In fact, you know it deeply because of the incarnation of your son, because your son humbled himself, 00:04:22.519 --> 00:04:34.279 became a servant, took on human likeness to save us, not because he had to, but because he was glad to. 00:04:36.639 --> 00:04:45.779 Well, God, would you open our eyes this morning to your love, to the beauty of the gospel. 00:04:45.779 --> 00:04:54.119 Would you fill our hearts with praise and peace and adoration. 00:04:55.439 --> 00:04:57.619 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:04:59.939 --> 00:05:00.579 All right. 00:05:00.779 --> 00:05:02.919 So I heard Jesse crushed it last week. 00:05:03.579 --> 00:05:06.299 And I'm glad he did or else I would have given him a hard time. 00:05:06.419 --> 00:05:09.359 He's a good buddy of mine and we try to pray together almost monthly. 00:05:10.000 --> 00:05:15.039 And I'm so glad that you were blessed by that in Paul's letter to the Galatians. 00:05:15.040 --> 00:05:16.879 But today we're back in Philippians. 00:05:17.100 --> 00:05:17.319 All right. 00:05:17.400 --> 00:05:18.580 Today we're back in Philippians. 00:05:19.160 --> 00:05:25.939 And what we're stepping into today is the unmistakable heart of Paul's letter to the church in Philippi, 00:05:26.020 --> 00:05:29.220 especially here in chapter 2, verses 5 through 11. 00:05:29.460 --> 00:05:34.560 It quite possibly might be the heart of Christianity itself is what we're looking at today. 00:05:35.020 --> 00:05:39.360 You could say that everything else in the letter, everything else in the whole of Christianity really 00:05:39.360 --> 00:05:43.480 hovers around, frames, and flows out of this core passage. 00:05:43.480 --> 00:05:48.480 It's truly one of the most profound and foundational passages in all of Scripture. 00:05:48.620 --> 00:05:51.280 It's like the heartbeat of the Christian confession. 00:05:51.540 --> 00:05:56.960 And for me personally, it's deeply, deeply formative in how I understand who God is. 00:05:57.620 --> 00:06:01.439 And not only who God is, but how I understand what it even means to be human. 00:06:02.620 --> 00:06:06.080 So I feel a certain weight this morning preaching this text. 00:06:06.220 --> 00:06:07.100 I want to do it justice. 00:06:07.100 --> 00:06:10.900 I want us to behold, you know, the beauty of what Paul wrote about here. 00:06:11.040 --> 00:06:16.400 And I want us to behold the super unique beauty of really the whole of the Christian faith that's 00:06:16.400 --> 00:06:19.720 kind of encapsulated here in this passage. 00:06:20.900 --> 00:06:23.760 I just, as a heads up, we're going to be, I'm going to be speaking mostly to Christians 00:06:23.760 --> 00:06:24.360 this morning. 00:06:24.740 --> 00:06:29.680 But if you are here today and you're not a Christian, we're so glad that you're here and we'd 00:06:29.680 --> 00:06:30.560 love to get to know you better. 00:06:30.560 --> 00:06:36.620 How I would suggest that you listen to the sermon this morning is by asking the question, 00:06:37.319 --> 00:06:38.639 what is so unique about Christianity? 00:06:39.759 --> 00:06:42.139 What is so unique about the God of Christianity? 00:06:43.160 --> 00:06:49.819 And why are Christians so crazy about this guy called Jesus, who they claim to be God? 00:06:50.360 --> 00:06:50.660 All right? 00:06:51.000 --> 00:06:52.620 So I want to invite you into that this morning. 00:06:52.759 --> 00:06:56.540 And just to remind us of where we are in this letter, Paul's, you know, he's done his 00:06:56.540 --> 00:07:02.200 intro, his personal opening remarks, he's told them how full his heart is with affection 00:07:02.200 --> 00:07:02.780 for them. 00:07:03.160 --> 00:07:06.200 He's told them that he wants all God's best for them. 00:07:06.260 --> 00:07:07.600 And he said, yeah, I'm in chains. 00:07:07.700 --> 00:07:08.500 Yeah, I'm in suffering. 00:07:09.020 --> 00:07:13.140 But honestly, for me to live is Christ and to die is gain. 00:07:13.200 --> 00:07:16.500 And that's all I care about, serving and honoring Christ. 00:07:16.580 --> 00:07:18.580 This is what he said so far in chapter one. 00:07:19.420 --> 00:07:24.259 But now today's passage is where he really gets into the substance and meat of the letter. 00:07:24.259 --> 00:07:25.259 He says, yeah, I'm in chains. 00:07:25.259 --> 00:07:26.259 He says, yeah, I'm in chains. 00:07:26.259 --> 00:07:27.259 He says, yeah, I'm in chains. 00:07:27.259 --> 00:07:27.519 Okay? 00:07:27.560 --> 00:07:28.680 So we're going to dive right in. 00:07:28.740 --> 00:07:30.659 Turn with me to verse 27. 00:07:30.800 --> 00:07:30.899 Okay? 00:07:30.959 --> 00:07:34.480 And I'm going to need you, I'll just, heads up, the beginning of the sermon's pretty dry. 00:07:34.579 --> 00:07:34.819 Okay? 00:07:35.099 --> 00:07:38.680 And I'm glad Chelsea's not here because she would give me an extra hard time for that. 00:07:38.879 --> 00:07:41.740 But it's going to be a little bit dry because we're going to get a little bit technical. 00:07:42.159 --> 00:07:45.680 We're really trying to pay close attention to what Paul is saying here. 00:07:45.779 --> 00:07:45.959 Okay? 00:07:46.060 --> 00:07:48.620 So verse 27, let's look at that. 00:07:49.079 --> 00:07:53.019 So here in verse 27, what we find is the very first commandment. 00:07:53.019 --> 00:07:57.240 The very first imperative that Paul gives in this entire letter. 00:07:57.579 --> 00:07:59.939 This is the first time he actually commands them to do something. 00:08:00.199 --> 00:08:01.939 And what he commands them is this. 00:08:02.199 --> 00:08:07.439 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. 00:08:07.519 --> 00:08:08.560 And let's stop there for a second. 00:08:08.680 --> 00:08:08.779 Okay? 00:08:08.819 --> 00:08:13.539 Now in the Greek, where it says whatever happens, that's actually just one word. 00:08:14.079 --> 00:08:18.799 And the word there simply can be literally translated only or alone. 00:08:18.800 --> 00:08:22.960 So what Paul is basically saying is this alone I command you. 00:08:23.079 --> 00:08:26.360 This is my one and only major command to you, church and Philippi. 00:08:26.460 --> 00:08:28.319 Concern yourselves with only this. 00:08:29.180 --> 00:08:31.800 And then where it says conduct yourselves in a manner worthy. 00:08:32.440 --> 00:08:35.720 That's actually also just one word in the Greek. 00:08:36.399 --> 00:08:39.620 It's the word polytuomai. 00:08:40.120 --> 00:08:40.639 Polytuomai. 00:08:40.639 --> 00:08:44.299 And if that sounds to you like the word politics, you're absolutely right. 00:08:44.799 --> 00:08:49.439 Because see, when Paul is saying polytuomai, he's not just saying conduct yourselves in a worthy manner. 00:08:49.740 --> 00:08:52.960 More literally what that means is be a citizen of. 00:08:53.360 --> 00:08:53.580 Okay? 00:08:54.019 --> 00:08:56.840 So what he is saying, if you put those together, is this. 00:08:57.199 --> 00:09:00.980 Only this, be a citizen of the gospel of Christ. 00:09:01.240 --> 00:09:03.879 That's his first and primary command to the church in Philippi. 00:09:04.080 --> 00:09:08.419 This alone, be a citizen of the gospel of Christ. 00:09:08.419 --> 00:09:11.519 Now, if you're wondering what this means, we're going to unpack it. 00:09:12.099 --> 00:09:14.620 But before we do that, Paul goes first. 00:09:14.719 --> 00:09:18.360 Instead of explaining what it means, he'd rather explain to us what it looks like. 00:09:18.519 --> 00:09:18.639 Okay? 00:09:18.759 --> 00:09:22.279 So according to Paul, what it looks like is found in the rest of verse 27. 00:09:22.399 --> 00:09:22.539 He says, 00:09:22.539 --> 00:09:43.360 So the picture that Paul is painting for citizens of the gospel is a picture of oneness. 00:09:43.839 --> 00:09:44.980 A picture of unity. 00:09:45.099 --> 00:09:46.199 That's the key word for today. 00:09:46.519 --> 00:09:46.899 Unity. 00:09:46.899 --> 00:09:48.100 That's the picture he's trying to paint. 00:09:48.319 --> 00:09:55.000 A picture of standing together in the unity of the Holy Spirit and of striving together in unity of their faith. 00:09:56.019 --> 00:09:58.199 And it's a unity that's a fearless unity. 00:09:58.340 --> 00:09:59.019 It says in verse 28, 00:09:59.019 --> 00:10:20.240 See, Paul is writing to them from prison, in chains, again. 00:10:20.240 --> 00:10:28.820 And as verse 30 indicates, now some of his fellow Christians in Philippi are also following in his footsteps, finding themselves in chains and facing opposition themselves. 00:10:29.060 --> 00:10:34.620 And what he wants them to commit to in all of this hardship is their citizenship in the gospel. 00:10:34.759 --> 00:10:39.700 Their shared unity with Paul, with Paul's chains, and with each other as they all face opposition together. 00:10:39.899 --> 00:10:42.519 And ultimately, their shared unity in Christ. 00:10:43.120 --> 00:10:47.879 Their unity as a suffering people who are trying to be with Christ, for Christ, and like Christ. 00:10:47.879 --> 00:10:49.080 Paul is saying, 00:10:49.080 --> 00:10:52.939 Stand firm in this Holy Spirit-filled, Holy Spirit-honoring confession. 00:10:53.279 --> 00:10:56.879 Strive together for continued unity in this counter-cultural faith. 00:10:57.120 --> 00:11:00.019 And do not be afraid, even in the face of opposition. 00:11:00.720 --> 00:11:02.840 For by pursuing this kind of fearless unity, Paul says, 00:11:02.919 --> 00:11:08.720 You are bearing witness to the world that in the end, God and his people will ultimately win. 00:11:09.019 --> 00:11:14.080 Will ultimately be saved, as opposed to God's opponents and enemies who will face destruction. 00:11:14.080 --> 00:11:19.139 Paul pleads with them on the basis of their own experiences with the triune God and what he's done in their lives. 00:11:19.200 --> 00:11:20.860 He pleads with them to be united. 00:11:21.139 --> 00:11:22.720 That's what he wants for this church in Philippi. 00:11:22.800 --> 00:11:23.379 Look at chapter 2. 00:11:23.379 --> 00:11:47.200 He's saying, 00:11:47.200 --> 00:11:51.820 If you have at all tasted the encouragement of being united with Christ, 00:11:52.160 --> 00:11:56.480 if you've at all known the comfort of being loved by your Father in heaven, 00:11:56.640 --> 00:12:00.340 and if you've at all enjoyed the fellowship and belonging of the Holy Spirit, 00:12:00.720 --> 00:12:01.860 and surely you have, right? 00:12:01.980 --> 00:12:04.960 Surely you've been moved by God toward tenderness and compassion. 00:12:05.060 --> 00:12:07.900 If that has at all been your experience as a Christian, he says, 00:12:07.899 --> 00:12:13.259 Then unite together as citizens of Christ, being like-minded, having the same love, 00:12:13.819 --> 00:12:16.980 and being one in the Spirit and of one mind. 00:12:17.379 --> 00:12:17.539 Okay? 00:12:18.340 --> 00:12:21.559 Now at this point, let me pause and thank you for staying with me. 00:12:21.819 --> 00:12:22.079 Okay? 00:12:22.679 --> 00:12:26.059 I know I started off very exegetical, paying super close attention, 00:12:26.500 --> 00:12:29.819 doing some heavy lifting together around Paul's logic and his language, 00:12:29.819 --> 00:12:33.759 but let me bring it home now and show you why this is so deeply relevant for us. 00:12:33.759 --> 00:12:39.600 You see, what Paul is doing here is profound contextual theology. 00:12:40.299 --> 00:12:44.080 What he's doing here is, you could consider it as counter-catechesis. 00:12:44.139 --> 00:12:49.939 He's confronting the cultural waters that this church in Philippi is swimming in every single day. 00:12:50.000 --> 00:12:54.639 See, these Christians in Philippi lived in a world that was constantly preaching to them, 00:12:55.259 --> 00:12:57.439 Look at the unity Rome has achieved. 00:12:57.960 --> 00:13:00.000 Look at the peace Rome has secured. 00:13:00.460 --> 00:13:03.259 Look at the greatness and glory of our empire. 00:13:03.759 --> 00:13:08.740 And remember, Philippi was a proud, proud Roman colony full of veterans, 00:13:09.179 --> 00:13:14.439 loyal Roman citizens who enjoyed the privileges and protections and the peace of the Pax Romana. 00:13:15.000 --> 00:13:18.740 This was a city essentially being discipled by the Roman Empire 00:13:18.740 --> 00:13:21.220 that was preaching to them every single day, 00:13:21.519 --> 00:13:27.480 Be encouraged, be comforted, and be united in peaceful communion because Caesar is Lord. 00:13:27.480 --> 00:13:36.180 But Paul, from prison, is commending to them a radically alternative citizenship, 00:13:36.759 --> 00:13:39.759 a dangerous citizenship, even a treasonous alternative. 00:13:40.820 --> 00:13:43.580 He's calling them to shift their primary citizenship, 00:13:44.019 --> 00:13:47.320 to shift their boast, to shift their ultimate hope and joy and loyalty 00:13:47.320 --> 00:13:51.139 and source of unity away from Rome and onto Christ. 00:13:51.139 --> 00:13:54.559 From Caesar is Lord to Jesus is Lord. 00:13:55.259 --> 00:13:59.419 And that's why his first, his very first command here is only this, 00:13:59.960 --> 00:14:02.679 be citizens of the gospel of Christ. 00:14:03.600 --> 00:14:06.000 Now, why does that matter to any of us? 00:14:06.860 --> 00:14:11.559 Because in many ways, we're not so different from the Philippians. 00:14:11.559 --> 00:14:16.859 We too are swimming in cultural waters that preach rival versions of unity to all of us. 00:14:17.299 --> 00:14:21.519 Political parties promising, if only everyone voted like us, then we'd have peace. 00:14:22.539 --> 00:14:26.479 Corporations preaching, if you buy and consume and have this certain lifestyle with our products, 00:14:26.579 --> 00:14:31.819 then and only then will you truly belong and feel secure and feel united with the rest of society. 00:14:32.399 --> 00:14:34.539 Or even within our families or our schools, 00:14:34.699 --> 00:14:38.500 as long as everyone agrees on our set of values, then we'll have unity. 00:14:38.500 --> 00:14:43.919 Just like in Paul's day, we're all being sold a million paths to unity, 00:14:44.379 --> 00:14:48.860 and yet we find that we are all still starving for unity, aren't we? 00:14:49.600 --> 00:14:53.240 Whether elephant or donkey, conservative or liberal, religious or secular, 00:14:53.679 --> 00:14:57.059 nationalist or globalist, Christian, Muslim, agnostic or atheist, 00:14:57.220 --> 00:14:59.600 we all actually want a world where we all get along. 00:15:00.120 --> 00:15:02.659 We all want peace, stability, harmony. 00:15:03.240 --> 00:15:06.399 Everyone longs for unity, but now if everyone in the world longs for unity, 00:15:06.399 --> 00:15:10.360 then why are we still so deeply divided? 00:15:11.699 --> 00:15:15.480 Well, I think the political analyst, Yuval Levin, he gets it right when he writes, 00:15:15.480 --> 00:15:19.399 The sense that what's holding us back is our disunity, 00:15:20.180 --> 00:15:23.620 is one sentiment that now does seem to cut across party lines. 00:15:24.379 --> 00:15:27.039 Yet unity itself can be a divisive notion. 00:15:27.920 --> 00:15:31.620 Americans yearning for solidarity don't always mean the same thing by it, 00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:34.879 except in as much as they all mean they would like to see less disagreement 00:15:34.879 --> 00:15:36.639 with their own views and priorities. 00:15:37.759 --> 00:15:41.220 In fact, the question of just what ought to bring Americans together now 00:15:41.220 --> 00:15:44.000 underlies a lot of discord in our politics. 00:15:44.120 --> 00:15:48.160 In other words, our problem isn't that no one wants unity, 00:15:49.160 --> 00:15:52.960 it's that we can't agree on what our unity should be based on. 00:15:53.899 --> 00:15:55.860 And so we end up swinging back and forth, right, 00:15:55.940 --> 00:15:58.040 oscillating between two broken extremes. 00:15:58.160 --> 00:16:01.420 On one side, we've tried to create unity by enforcing uniformity, 00:16:01.519 --> 00:16:05.259 by imposing narrow, biased and often unjust and arbitrary standards 00:16:05.259 --> 00:16:08.720 that silence dissent and crush difference. 00:16:09.439 --> 00:16:14.100 You have strongmen, dictators, tyrants, bulldozing their way toward order, right? 00:16:14.740 --> 00:16:16.960 And then on the other side, we've tried to create unity 00:16:16.960 --> 00:16:19.980 by embracing a kind of relativistic tolerance 00:16:19.980 --> 00:16:22.700 where every viewpoint is supposedly equal, 00:16:23.340 --> 00:16:25.779 but that too eventually collapses under its own weight 00:16:25.779 --> 00:16:27.580 because even tolerance has its limits, 00:16:27.679 --> 00:16:29.039 and when those limits are crossed, 00:16:29.500 --> 00:16:32.259 it turns into its own form of intolerant canceling 00:16:32.259 --> 00:16:35.080 and manipulative coercion itself. 00:16:35.299 --> 00:16:38.379 You have online mobs, social media outrage, cancel culture, 00:16:38.500 --> 00:16:43.620 all highlighting the fragility and the naivete of love as mere tolerance. 00:16:44.740 --> 00:16:46.000 So we just continue to fight. 00:16:46.139 --> 00:16:47.860 We continue to struggle with disunity. 00:16:48.039 --> 00:16:48.220 Why? 00:16:48.220 --> 00:16:52.700 Because ultimately, we have competing visions of what is ultimate, 00:16:53.360 --> 00:16:54.819 competing visions of what is honorable, 00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:57.059 competing visions of what it means to be truly human 00:16:57.059 --> 00:17:00.980 and of what an honorable human life ought to look like. 00:17:02.259 --> 00:17:03.340 See, Paul knew this. 00:17:03.840 --> 00:17:04.640 He anticipated this. 00:17:04.740 --> 00:17:07.180 Paul knew that the Pax Romana wasn't a true peace. 00:17:07.819 --> 00:17:10.140 He knew that while it may have lasted pretty long 00:17:10.140 --> 00:17:13.200 and while it may have indeed benefited a whole lot of people, 00:17:13.759 --> 00:17:14.920 it wouldn't last forever. 00:17:15.359 --> 00:17:18.539 And it also crushed a whole lot of other people 00:17:18.539 --> 00:17:21.359 in the name of order and peace and unity. 00:17:22.599 --> 00:17:24.619 And so when Paul exhorts this church in Philippi 00:17:24.619 --> 00:17:28.119 to be citizens of the gospel, united together with Christ, 00:17:28.200 --> 00:17:29.279 he's ultimately offering them, 00:17:29.279 --> 00:17:31.899 he's ultimately offering all of us 00:17:31.899 --> 00:17:34.079 who are still struggling with unity today, 00:17:34.200 --> 00:17:38.160 he's offering the world a more worthy citizenship, 00:17:39.339 --> 00:17:41.119 an actually pure unity, 00:17:41.299 --> 00:17:44.440 a nobler vision of what is truly honorable. 00:17:44.440 --> 00:17:48.720 He commends to us citizenship without superiority, 00:17:49.799 --> 00:17:51.420 unity without coercion, 00:17:52.099 --> 00:17:53.700 humility without compromise, 00:17:54.700 --> 00:17:57.279 and a life of servanthood without degradation. 00:17:57.279 --> 00:18:01.200 And he does this by pointing us to Jesus. 00:18:02.420 --> 00:18:06.099 And in doing so shows us the most ideal picture 00:18:06.099 --> 00:18:08.119 of who God is 00:18:08.119 --> 00:18:11.460 and the most ideal picture of what it means 00:18:11.460 --> 00:18:13.720 to be human at the same time. 00:18:14.160 --> 00:18:15.660 And this is the beauty of our passage. 00:18:16.200 --> 00:18:18.859 This right here, this is the secret sauce of Christianity. 00:18:19.839 --> 00:18:23.039 This is what makes our faith like literally sing, okay? 00:18:23.039 --> 00:18:25.519 So let's go to verse 3 00:18:25.519 --> 00:18:28.440 and see how Paul suggests we arrive at unity 00:18:28.440 --> 00:18:31.379 as countercultural citizens of the gospel. 00:18:31.539 --> 00:18:32.339 Verse 3 says, 00:18:33.180 --> 00:18:36.220 do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. 00:18:36.319 --> 00:18:38.460 So first Paul tells us what not to do. 00:18:39.299 --> 00:18:41.659 Unity will never come out of contentious, 00:18:42.099 --> 00:18:43.720 selfish ambition or vain conceit. 00:18:43.759 --> 00:18:45.259 And by the way, the word here for vain conceit 00:18:45.259 --> 00:18:46.720 is also a single word in the Greek, 00:18:47.319 --> 00:18:48.500 kenodoxia, okay? 00:18:48.500 --> 00:18:51.700 Kenodoxia, which comes from kenos is empty, 00:18:52.099 --> 00:18:53.380 and doxa, which is glory. 00:18:53.460 --> 00:18:54.559 And basically it's this idea 00:18:54.559 --> 00:18:57.819 that being empty of our true and original glory 00:18:57.819 --> 00:18:58.559 because of sin, 00:18:59.079 --> 00:19:02.420 we try to fill ourselves with false and empty glories 00:19:02.420 --> 00:19:04.880 chasing after honor and status and recognition 00:19:04.880 --> 00:19:06.779 to make up for what's missing inside. 00:19:07.240 --> 00:19:09.539 But Paul's like, no, no. 00:19:09.700 --> 00:19:10.119 Verse 3, 00:19:10.220 --> 00:19:12.000 rather in humility, 00:19:12.680 --> 00:19:14.279 value others above yourselves. 00:19:14.640 --> 00:19:16.559 Don't pursue your own glory and value. 00:19:16.559 --> 00:19:19.179 Humble yourself and value others above yourself, 00:19:19.259 --> 00:19:21.059 not looking to your own interests, 00:19:21.639 --> 00:19:23.619 but each of you to the interests of others. 00:19:23.700 --> 00:19:25.379 What Paul commends to gospel citizens 00:19:25.379 --> 00:19:26.359 for the sake of unity 00:19:26.359 --> 00:19:28.940 is humility and deference 00:19:28.940 --> 00:19:30.240 and an interest in others 00:19:30.240 --> 00:19:33.019 that supersedes our own self-interest. 00:19:34.319 --> 00:19:36.839 Now, I think you don't have to be Christian 00:19:36.839 --> 00:19:37.740 to agree with this, right? 00:19:37.779 --> 00:19:39.399 I think for most of us, 00:19:39.419 --> 00:19:40.539 this all sounds, you know, 00:19:40.579 --> 00:19:43.179 fine and dandy and quite commonsensical 00:19:43.179 --> 00:19:45.099 because, you know, of course, 00:19:45.099 --> 00:19:46.839 it's hard for any of us really, 00:19:46.980 --> 00:19:49.259 especially us enlightened Western people 00:19:49.259 --> 00:19:50.519 to disagree that, of course, 00:19:50.859 --> 00:19:53.199 more humility, more unselfishness 00:19:53.199 --> 00:19:55.859 would definitely help us move toward unity, right? 00:19:57.119 --> 00:19:59.599 But what's unique about what Paul is doing here 00:19:59.599 --> 00:20:01.159 is not just saying, 00:20:01.559 --> 00:20:02.179 try to be nicer, 00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:04.059 try to be less selfish, 00:20:04.259 --> 00:20:05.559 try to be less vain and conceited, 00:20:05.639 --> 00:20:07.779 try to care about others more than yourself. 00:20:07.919 --> 00:20:08.919 No, Paul knows 00:20:08.919 --> 00:20:10.779 that these mere suggestions 00:20:10.779 --> 00:20:12.939 toward kindness and selflessness 00:20:12.940 --> 00:20:14.980 will never make much of a difference 00:20:14.980 --> 00:20:15.620 on their own. 00:20:15.680 --> 00:20:16.660 The key for Paul, 00:20:17.539 --> 00:20:19.740 and this is what the secular West has abandoned, 00:20:20.700 --> 00:20:23.620 is that the reason we all value selflessness 00:20:23.620 --> 00:20:26.539 and humility and love and sacrifice 00:20:26.539 --> 00:20:27.680 in the first place 00:20:27.680 --> 00:20:30.420 is because of the person of Jesus Christ, 00:20:31.080 --> 00:20:33.360 because of the story of Jesus Christ. 00:20:33.779 --> 00:20:35.960 And it's only when we are united with Him 00:20:35.960 --> 00:20:37.240 that that kind of fruit 00:20:37.240 --> 00:20:39.799 will ever begin to abound in the world. 00:20:39.799 --> 00:20:41.839 Paul writes in verse 5, 00:20:41.960 --> 00:20:43.799 in your relationships with one another 00:20:43.799 --> 00:20:46.279 have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. 00:20:46.399 --> 00:20:48.519 He brings us back to our union with Christ 00:20:48.519 --> 00:20:51.379 and not mere moralism, okay? 00:20:51.539 --> 00:20:53.240 And then from verses 6 through 11, 00:20:53.339 --> 00:20:54.859 we have this stunning work 00:20:54.859 --> 00:20:56.519 of early church doctrine. 00:20:56.659 --> 00:20:59.319 Most commentators think it's a song 00:20:59.319 --> 00:21:01.740 written either by someone in the early church, 00:21:01.839 --> 00:21:02.619 maybe multiple people, 00:21:02.720 --> 00:21:03.419 maybe by Paul, 00:21:03.740 --> 00:21:04.240 maybe others, 00:21:04.319 --> 00:21:04.700 but nonetheless, 00:21:05.119 --> 00:21:07.220 it's often called the Christ hymn, okay? 00:21:07.220 --> 00:21:09.980 This is the Christ hymn from verse 6 through 11, 00:21:10.079 --> 00:21:12.100 written no more than 30 years 00:21:12.100 --> 00:21:14.940 after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 00:21:15.420 --> 00:21:17.779 And it's a hymn that Paul is either writing himself 00:21:17.779 --> 00:21:18.680 or referring to 00:21:18.680 --> 00:21:22.180 in order to communicate a bunch of core Christian truths 00:21:22.180 --> 00:21:23.440 all at the same time. 00:21:23.779 --> 00:21:25.019 And the first truth is this, 00:21:25.740 --> 00:21:27.000 that Jesus of Nazareth 00:21:27.000 --> 00:21:29.259 was from all eternity, 00:21:30.120 --> 00:21:30.880 verse 6, 00:21:31.799 --> 00:21:33.779 in very nature God. 00:21:33.779 --> 00:21:36.819 This is what Christians have always believed 00:21:36.819 --> 00:21:37.940 about Jesus of Nazareth. 00:21:38.559 --> 00:21:39.480 And yet, 00:21:40.019 --> 00:21:41.700 though being in very nature God, 00:21:41.759 --> 00:21:42.460 we've also believed 00:21:42.460 --> 00:21:44.859 that he did not consider equality with God 00:21:44.859 --> 00:21:47.779 something to be used to his own advantage. 00:21:48.639 --> 00:21:49.500 Now, some of you have, 00:21:49.839 --> 00:21:51.139 might recall other translations. 00:21:51.299 --> 00:21:52.180 Other translations say 00:21:52.180 --> 00:21:53.940 he did not consider equality with God 00:21:53.940 --> 00:21:55.259 something to be grasped, right? 00:21:55.299 --> 00:21:56.139 Or it means like 00:21:56.139 --> 00:21:58.819 to violently and selfishly 00:21:58.819 --> 00:21:59.899 snatch and seize 00:21:59.899 --> 00:22:01.619 for his own personal self-interest. 00:22:01.619 --> 00:22:02.559 Think of that child 00:22:02.559 --> 00:22:04.519 who maybe invites another kid from school 00:22:04.519 --> 00:22:05.459 over for a play date. 00:22:06.239 --> 00:22:06.979 And they're playing 00:22:06.979 --> 00:22:08.559 and the invited kid reaches over 00:22:08.559 --> 00:22:09.799 for one of the toys 00:22:09.799 --> 00:22:11.819 and the host kid says, 00:22:11.939 --> 00:22:12.159 no, 00:22:12.899 --> 00:22:13.599 snatches it, 00:22:14.059 --> 00:22:14.959 mine, right? 00:22:16.079 --> 00:22:17.259 And honestly, 00:22:17.419 --> 00:22:18.539 that child is not wrong. 00:22:19.319 --> 00:22:20.479 That child is not wrong. 00:22:20.599 --> 00:22:20.719 I mean, 00:22:20.739 --> 00:22:21.619 I won't let my girls do that. 00:22:21.659 --> 00:22:22.379 They won't get away with that. 00:22:22.500 --> 00:22:24.939 But that child is not wrong. 00:22:25.539 --> 00:22:26.319 It is his toy. 00:22:26.879 --> 00:22:27.599 And in a sense, 00:22:27.679 --> 00:22:28.500 he has a right 00:22:28.500 --> 00:22:29.699 not to give it up. 00:22:29.700 --> 00:22:32.140 He has a right to insist 00:22:32.140 --> 00:22:33.580 that it is his alone 00:22:33.580 --> 00:22:34.740 to enjoy. 00:22:36.200 --> 00:22:37.660 But this is not what we see 00:22:37.660 --> 00:22:38.980 in the Son of God 00:22:38.980 --> 00:22:40.019 who is something far better 00:22:40.019 --> 00:22:40.860 than a toy. 00:22:41.000 --> 00:22:42.680 He is in very nature God. 00:22:42.740 --> 00:22:43.759 He did not act this way. 00:22:44.400 --> 00:22:46.340 He did not turn the stone 00:22:46.340 --> 00:22:48.220 in the desert to bread. 00:22:49.360 --> 00:22:51.180 He did not call legions of angels 00:22:51.180 --> 00:22:52.900 to rescue him from the cross. 00:22:52.980 --> 00:22:54.440 He did not use his divinity 00:22:54.440 --> 00:22:55.960 for his own advantage. 00:22:55.960 --> 00:22:57.360 But rather, 00:22:57.700 --> 00:22:58.180 verse 7, 00:22:58.779 --> 00:22:59.860 he made himself nothing. 00:23:00.500 --> 00:23:01.559 Or some translations say 00:23:01.559 --> 00:23:02.420 he emptied himself. 00:23:02.519 --> 00:23:03.279 And this doesn't mean 00:23:03.279 --> 00:23:04.440 that when the Son of God 00:23:04.440 --> 00:23:04.940 became human, 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:05.880 he stopped being God 00:23:05.880 --> 00:23:07.079 or he emptied himself 00:23:07.079 --> 00:23:07.900 of his divinity. 00:23:08.039 --> 00:23:08.519 But actually, 00:23:08.579 --> 00:23:09.519 it says he emptied himself 00:23:09.519 --> 00:23:11.579 by adding to himself. 00:23:12.400 --> 00:23:13.600 Subtraction by addition. 00:23:13.759 --> 00:23:14.079 Verse 7, 00:23:14.160 --> 00:23:15.220 by taking on 00:23:15.220 --> 00:23:16.799 the very nature of a servant 00:23:16.799 --> 00:23:18.140 and being made 00:23:18.140 --> 00:23:18.940 in human likeness. 00:23:18.980 --> 00:23:20.360 He put on humanity 00:23:20.359 --> 00:23:21.779 so that he was 00:23:21.779 --> 00:23:22.759 at the same time 00:23:22.759 --> 00:23:23.619 in one person, 00:23:23.719 --> 00:23:25.500 100% God 00:23:25.500 --> 00:23:27.819 and 100% human. 00:23:28.759 --> 00:23:29.419 How does that work? 00:23:29.479 --> 00:23:29.879 We don't know, 00:23:29.939 --> 00:23:30.799 but we say yes, Lord, 00:23:30.879 --> 00:23:31.500 because that's what 00:23:31.500 --> 00:23:32.839 the Scriptures teach. 00:23:33.819 --> 00:23:34.099 And again, 00:23:34.179 --> 00:23:35.439 not just any kind of human though, 00:23:36.219 --> 00:23:36.699 a servant. 00:23:37.259 --> 00:23:38.279 You could even translate this, 00:23:38.439 --> 00:23:38.959 a slave. 00:23:39.659 --> 00:23:40.740 In the person of Jesus, 00:23:40.879 --> 00:23:41.379 God himself, 00:23:41.539 --> 00:23:42.339 the creator of the universe, 00:23:42.459 --> 00:23:43.279 the holy I am, 00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:43.959 who I am, 00:23:44.019 --> 00:23:44.439 the one in whom 00:23:44.439 --> 00:23:45.399 all things hold together, 00:23:45.799 --> 00:23:46.899 the one and only God 00:23:46.899 --> 00:23:48.039 took upon himself 00:23:48.039 --> 00:23:49.899 the lowest possible 00:23:49.899 --> 00:23:50.680 human status 00:23:50.680 --> 00:23:51.859 in the ancient world. 00:23:52.019 --> 00:23:53.319 Think of that image of Jesus 00:23:53.319 --> 00:23:54.779 with a towel around his waist, 00:23:55.319 --> 00:23:56.420 washing his disciples' 00:23:56.639 --> 00:23:57.240 stinky feet. 00:23:58.000 --> 00:23:59.059 Remember his words 00:23:59.059 --> 00:24:00.240 to his feuding disciples. 00:24:00.480 --> 00:24:01.379 You know that the rulers 00:24:01.379 --> 00:24:02.019 of the Gentiles 00:24:02.019 --> 00:24:02.879 lord it over them 00:24:02.879 --> 00:24:04.059 and their great ones 00:24:04.059 --> 00:24:05.599 exercise authority over them. 00:24:06.079 --> 00:24:07.899 It shall not be so among you. 00:24:08.339 --> 00:24:09.579 But whoever would be great 00:24:09.579 --> 00:24:10.119 among you 00:24:10.119 --> 00:24:11.200 must be your servant. 00:24:11.759 --> 00:24:12.579 And whoever would be 00:24:12.579 --> 00:24:13.319 first among you 00:24:13.319 --> 00:24:14.500 must be your slave. 00:24:15.099 --> 00:24:16.099 Even as the Son of Man 00:24:16.099 --> 00:24:17.139 came not to be served, 00:24:17.240 --> 00:24:17.899 but to serve 00:24:17.900 --> 00:24:19.040 and to give his life 00:24:19.040 --> 00:24:20.620 as a ransom for many. 00:24:21.860 --> 00:24:22.640 As a human, 00:24:22.780 --> 00:24:23.380 verse 8 says, 00:24:23.519 --> 00:24:24.900 God incarnate, 00:24:25.259 --> 00:24:26.700 he humbled himself 00:24:26.700 --> 00:24:28.300 by becoming obedient 00:24:28.300 --> 00:24:29.040 to death. 00:24:29.080 --> 00:24:30.340 And even the worst kind of death, 00:24:30.740 --> 00:24:32.500 even death on a cross. 00:24:32.620 --> 00:24:32.840 And man, 00:24:32.900 --> 00:24:33.700 this is wild. 00:24:35.140 --> 00:24:36.140 Let us not become 00:24:36.140 --> 00:24:37.019 overly familiar 00:24:37.019 --> 00:24:38.280 with this beautiful 00:24:38.280 --> 00:24:39.980 ancient truth 00:24:39.980 --> 00:24:42.320 that God became human, 00:24:43.360 --> 00:24:44.680 that he became a slave. 00:24:45.500 --> 00:24:46.600 He became a dead 00:24:46.600 --> 00:24:47.560 human slave, 00:24:47.559 --> 00:24:48.440 even a crucified 00:24:48.440 --> 00:24:49.839 dead human slave. 00:24:49.980 --> 00:24:51.440 God in Christ 00:24:51.440 --> 00:24:53.440 didn't consider that 00:24:53.440 --> 00:24:54.779 too beneath him. 00:24:56.200 --> 00:24:56.740 So how then 00:24:56.740 --> 00:24:57.419 shall we live? 00:24:59.059 --> 00:24:59.759 Do you see 00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:00.519 what Paul is doing? 00:25:01.399 --> 00:25:01.559 You know, 00:25:01.599 --> 00:25:02.279 so many people, 00:25:02.399 --> 00:25:03.139 I was just on the phone 00:25:03.139 --> 00:25:03.740 yesterday 00:25:03.740 --> 00:25:04.119 with someone 00:25:04.119 --> 00:25:04.639 who identified 00:25:04.639 --> 00:25:05.299 as a Christian, 00:25:05.519 --> 00:25:06.099 but to her 00:25:06.099 --> 00:25:07.259 the essence of Christianity 00:25:07.259 --> 00:25:08.720 was just being nice 00:25:08.720 --> 00:25:09.440 and being accepting 00:25:09.440 --> 00:25:10.299 and to her 00:25:10.299 --> 00:25:11.000 the core teaching 00:25:11.000 --> 00:25:12.200 was love your neighbors. 00:25:12.440 --> 00:25:13.139 That's what Jesus taught. 00:25:13.220 --> 00:25:13.559 But no, 00:25:13.659 --> 00:25:14.599 that cannot be. 00:25:14.599 --> 00:25:16.019 That cannot be the first 00:25:16.019 --> 00:25:16.959 and ultimate principle 00:25:16.959 --> 00:25:17.779 of Christianity. 00:25:18.480 --> 00:25:19.539 That command alone 00:25:19.539 --> 00:25:20.659 will do almost nothing 00:25:20.659 --> 00:25:22.279 in our devastatingly 00:25:22.279 --> 00:25:22.839 broken world. 00:25:22.939 --> 00:25:23.079 No, 00:25:23.139 --> 00:25:24.159 the world doesn't need 00:25:24.159 --> 00:25:25.579 a moralistic suggestion 00:25:25.579 --> 00:25:27.539 that we need to love more. 00:25:28.019 --> 00:25:29.719 The world needs a God 00:25:29.719 --> 00:25:31.279 who will show us 00:25:31.279 --> 00:25:32.159 what real, 00:25:32.819 --> 00:25:33.279 healing, 00:25:33.819 --> 00:25:34.939 world-transforming love 00:25:34.939 --> 00:25:35.819 truly is 00:25:35.819 --> 00:25:36.159 and a God 00:25:36.159 --> 00:25:36.879 who can do it. 00:25:38.000 --> 00:25:38.919 A God whose initial 00:25:38.919 --> 00:25:39.480 act of love 00:25:39.480 --> 00:25:40.159 will empower 00:25:40.160 --> 00:25:40.759 and inspire 00:25:40.759 --> 00:25:42.759 all other loves. 00:25:44.120 --> 00:25:44.759 And don't you see 00:25:44.759 --> 00:25:46.980 that that is 00:25:46.980 --> 00:25:47.900 what we have 00:25:47.900 --> 00:25:49.540 in the incarnation 00:25:49.540 --> 00:25:50.960 of Jesus Christ. 00:25:51.920 --> 00:25:53.779 God become man 00:25:53.779 --> 00:25:54.480 and not just man 00:25:54.480 --> 00:25:56.100 but crucified slave. 00:25:57.320 --> 00:25:58.700 What Paul is doing here, 00:25:59.160 --> 00:25:59.920 what Paul is revealing 00:25:59.920 --> 00:26:01.000 about how unity 00:26:01.000 --> 00:26:01.560 and peace 00:26:01.560 --> 00:26:02.200 will be accomplished 00:26:02.200 --> 00:26:02.860 and achieved 00:26:02.860 --> 00:26:03.800 amongst the citizens 00:26:03.800 --> 00:26:04.900 of the gospel of Christ 00:26:04.900 --> 00:26:07.240 is the ultimate truth 00:26:07.240 --> 00:26:09.180 about who God is. 00:26:10.160 --> 00:26:11.220 And that picture 00:26:11.220 --> 00:26:12.540 is one and the same 00:26:12.540 --> 00:26:13.860 in Jesus Christ. 00:26:15.019 --> 00:26:15.320 You see, 00:26:15.400 --> 00:26:15.980 in this passage, 00:26:16.160 --> 00:26:17.100 it isn't just some 00:26:17.100 --> 00:26:18.240 proof text from the Bible 00:26:18.240 --> 00:26:20.100 proving that Jesus is God. 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:20.420 No, 00:26:20.560 --> 00:26:21.920 it's far more than that. 00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:22.580 The message here 00:26:22.580 --> 00:26:23.180 is not simply 00:26:23.180 --> 00:26:24.259 that Jesus is God 00:26:24.259 --> 00:26:26.940 but that God is Jesus 00:26:26.940 --> 00:26:30.180 even as a human slave 00:26:30.180 --> 00:26:31.960 bleeding to death 00:26:31.960 --> 00:26:32.960 on a cross 00:26:32.960 --> 00:26:34.240 in a trash heap 00:26:34.240 --> 00:26:35.920 outside of Jerusalem. 00:26:37.680 --> 00:26:37.980 You know, 00:26:38.060 --> 00:26:38.740 we tend to think 00:26:38.740 --> 00:26:39.720 of God-likeness 00:26:39.720 --> 00:26:41.200 as domination, 00:26:41.420 --> 00:26:42.799 as being untouchable, 00:26:42.940 --> 00:26:43.440 unstoppable, 00:26:43.779 --> 00:26:44.200 invincible. 00:26:44.380 --> 00:26:44.799 I used to play 00:26:44.799 --> 00:26:45.360 this video game 00:26:45.360 --> 00:26:45.759 in college 00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:46.440 called Dota 00:26:46.440 --> 00:26:49.740 and when you managed 00:26:49.740 --> 00:26:50.380 to stay alive, 00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:51.100 which was very hard 00:26:51.100 --> 00:26:51.519 for me, 00:26:51.660 --> 00:26:52.600 but once in a while 00:26:52.600 --> 00:26:53.380 and you went 00:26:53.380 --> 00:26:54.319 on a killing spree, 00:26:55.299 --> 00:26:56.480 you would hear 00:26:56.480 --> 00:26:57.500 the video game say, 00:26:58.240 --> 00:26:59.700 God-like. 00:27:01.579 --> 00:27:03.220 And it was so satisfying. 00:27:03.220 --> 00:27:06.180 I also remember 00:27:06.180 --> 00:27:07.400 a time playing basketball 00:27:07.400 --> 00:27:08.140 with the youth. 00:27:08.680 --> 00:27:09.180 I think it was 00:27:09.180 --> 00:27:09.880 Luther George. 00:27:09.980 --> 00:27:10.980 He would not miss. 00:27:11.680 --> 00:27:12.900 And Eli Gilbert goes, 00:27:13.360 --> 00:27:14.339 He's a God! 00:27:14.600 --> 00:27:15.500 He's a God! 00:27:18.180 --> 00:27:19.500 And it wasn't wrong 00:27:19.500 --> 00:27:20.779 at all 00:27:20.779 --> 00:27:21.539 to think of God 00:27:21.539 --> 00:27:22.400 this way, 00:27:22.720 --> 00:27:23.539 as all-powerful, 00:27:24.240 --> 00:27:25.240 as undefeatable, 00:27:26.299 --> 00:27:26.660 as someone 00:27:26.660 --> 00:27:27.360 who never misses. 00:27:27.359 --> 00:27:29.839 But the beauty 00:27:29.839 --> 00:27:30.479 of Christianity 00:27:30.479 --> 00:27:32.159 and the good news 00:27:32.159 --> 00:27:32.899 of Jesus 00:27:32.899 --> 00:27:35.199 is that our God, 00:27:35.819 --> 00:27:37.019 He is so much more. 00:27:37.619 --> 00:27:38.359 He's so much more 00:27:38.359 --> 00:27:38.839 than that. 00:27:40.419 --> 00:27:41.099 Like, our God 00:27:41.099 --> 00:27:41.599 is that. 00:27:41.699 --> 00:27:42.759 Yes, He is able. 00:27:43.159 --> 00:27:44.019 He's able to crush 00:27:44.019 --> 00:27:44.500 His enemies. 00:27:45.099 --> 00:27:45.799 And yet, 00:27:46.000 --> 00:27:46.439 also, 00:27:46.839 --> 00:27:47.379 He's a God 00:27:47.379 --> 00:27:48.459 who is willing 00:27:48.459 --> 00:27:50.179 to be crushed 00:27:50.179 --> 00:27:51.699 in the place 00:27:51.699 --> 00:27:53.039 of His enemies. 00:27:53.039 --> 00:27:55.559 in our place 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:57.379 when we were 00:27:57.379 --> 00:27:58.359 His enemies 00:27:58.359 --> 00:27:59.319 ourselves. 00:28:00.920 --> 00:28:02.039 And that's a crucial 00:28:02.039 --> 00:28:02.839 truth here 00:28:02.839 --> 00:28:03.779 as well. 00:28:04.399 --> 00:28:05.480 In all the disunity 00:28:05.480 --> 00:28:06.539 we suffer and lament, 00:28:06.659 --> 00:28:07.700 it's because of our sin. 00:28:08.139 --> 00:28:08.759 Our sin, 00:28:08.839 --> 00:28:09.639 our selfish ambition, 00:28:09.779 --> 00:28:10.659 our pursuing empty, 00:28:11.079 --> 00:28:12.139 futile glory. 00:28:12.259 --> 00:28:12.980 From the beginning, 00:28:13.339 --> 00:28:14.019 we gave up 00:28:14.019 --> 00:28:14.839 our original glory 00:28:14.839 --> 00:28:15.740 and we've been starved 00:28:15.740 --> 00:28:16.799 for glory ever since. 00:28:16.879 --> 00:28:17.460 Adam and Eve 00:28:17.460 --> 00:28:18.659 and we with them, 00:28:18.740 --> 00:28:19.759 in unity with them. 00:28:20.180 --> 00:28:20.680 According to 00:28:20.680 --> 00:28:21.920 our selfish ambition, 00:28:22.119 --> 00:28:22.639 we thought 00:28:22.640 --> 00:28:23.480 that we could be 00:28:23.480 --> 00:28:24.420 more like God 00:28:24.420 --> 00:28:25.840 than we already were. 00:28:26.600 --> 00:28:27.420 And still today, 00:28:27.620 --> 00:28:28.540 we think that we can 00:28:28.540 --> 00:28:29.100 be everywhere. 00:28:29.240 --> 00:28:29.860 We think we could be 00:28:29.860 --> 00:28:31.200 omnipresent with our planes 00:28:31.200 --> 00:28:32.180 and with our internet 00:28:32.180 --> 00:28:33.120 connections and streaming 00:28:33.120 --> 00:28:33.520 devices. 00:28:33.640 --> 00:28:34.280 We think we can be 00:28:34.280 --> 00:28:34.840 omnipotent, 00:28:34.900 --> 00:28:35.540 just speak things 00:28:35.540 --> 00:28:36.400 into Siri or chat 00:28:36.400 --> 00:28:37.540 TPT and boom, 00:28:37.640 --> 00:28:38.280 there it is. 00:28:38.780 --> 00:28:39.640 And we think we can 00:28:39.640 --> 00:28:40.300 be omniscient. 00:28:40.440 --> 00:28:41.080 We think we can be 00:28:41.080 --> 00:28:41.660 all-knowing 00:28:41.660 --> 00:28:43.480 with more accessible 00:28:43.480 --> 00:28:44.520 facts and data 00:28:44.520 --> 00:28:45.259 at our fingertips 00:28:45.259 --> 00:28:46.360 than at any other time 00:28:46.360 --> 00:28:47.200 in human history. 00:28:47.520 --> 00:28:47.920 And we, 00:28:48.120 --> 00:28:48.740 like Adam and Eve, 00:28:48.980 --> 00:28:50.160 pursue more and more 00:28:50.160 --> 00:28:51.100 closer and closer 00:28:51.100 --> 00:28:52.240 proximity to such 00:28:52.240 --> 00:28:53.519 power and presence 00:28:53.519 --> 00:28:54.380 and proficiency 00:28:54.380 --> 00:28:55.160 because we are 00:28:55.160 --> 00:28:56.279 seeking our own glory 00:28:56.279 --> 00:28:57.400 rather than the glory 00:28:57.400 --> 00:28:58.200 of God. 00:28:58.779 --> 00:28:59.740 That is the essence 00:28:59.740 --> 00:29:00.240 of sin. 00:29:01.539 --> 00:29:02.500 That is the essence 00:29:02.500 --> 00:29:02.920 of sin. 00:29:04.079 --> 00:29:05.299 But thanks be to God 00:29:05.299 --> 00:29:06.579 that, 00:29:06.759 --> 00:29:07.339 as John Stott 00:29:07.339 --> 00:29:08.039 famously wrote, 00:29:08.120 --> 00:29:08.720 while the essence 00:29:08.720 --> 00:29:10.099 of sin is man 00:29:10.099 --> 00:29:11.240 substituting himself 00:29:11.240 --> 00:29:12.140 for God, 00:29:12.920 --> 00:29:14.140 the essence of salvation 00:29:14.140 --> 00:29:15.700 is God 00:29:15.700 --> 00:29:17.900 substituting himself 00:29:17.900 --> 00:29:19.259 for man. 00:29:19.259 --> 00:29:21.799 man asserts himself 00:29:21.799 --> 00:29:22.599 against God 00:29:22.599 --> 00:29:23.460 and puts himself 00:29:23.460 --> 00:29:24.220 where only God 00:29:24.220 --> 00:29:24.779 deserves to be, 00:29:24.879 --> 00:29:25.500 but God 00:29:25.500 --> 00:29:27.400 sacrifices himself 00:29:27.400 --> 00:29:28.640 for man 00:29:28.640 --> 00:29:30.579 and puts himself 00:29:30.579 --> 00:29:32.119 where only man 00:29:32.119 --> 00:29:33.299 deserves to be 00:29:33.299 --> 00:29:34.740 on a cross. 00:29:36.200 --> 00:29:36.740 See, 00:29:36.819 --> 00:29:37.819 this is the stuff 00:29:37.819 --> 00:29:39.339 that will change 00:29:39.339 --> 00:29:39.779 the world. 00:29:41.039 --> 00:29:42.440 This is what makes 00:29:42.440 --> 00:29:43.079 Christianity 00:29:43.079 --> 00:29:44.359 and particularly 00:29:44.359 --> 00:29:45.119 the God 00:29:45.119 --> 00:29:46.200 of Christianity 00:29:46.200 --> 00:29:47.840 unlike any other. 00:29:48.980 --> 00:29:50.559 This is the only path 00:29:50.559 --> 00:29:51.559 to unity, 00:29:52.340 --> 00:29:52.779 peace, 00:29:53.059 --> 00:29:53.600 and order. 00:29:54.000 --> 00:29:54.340 God, 00:29:54.960 --> 00:29:56.120 the ultimate reality, 00:29:56.279 --> 00:29:56.880 the I am, 00:29:57.220 --> 00:29:58.059 who voluntarily 00:29:58.059 --> 00:29:59.480 entered creation, 00:29:59.920 --> 00:30:00.680 humbled himself, 00:30:00.880 --> 00:30:01.759 and served us 00:30:01.759 --> 00:30:02.640 unto death 00:30:02.640 --> 00:30:03.380 on a cross. 00:30:03.480 --> 00:30:04.480 It's the most important 00:30:04.480 --> 00:30:05.960 truth that has changed 00:30:05.960 --> 00:30:06.819 and will ultimately 00:30:06.819 --> 00:30:08.160 transform the world 00:30:08.160 --> 00:30:09.420 and our sinful, 00:30:09.819 --> 00:30:10.819 stony hearts. 00:30:10.819 --> 00:30:13.240 The historian 00:30:13.240 --> 00:30:13.899 Tom Holland 00:30:13.899 --> 00:30:14.579 in this book 00:30:14.579 --> 00:30:14.939 Dominion 00:30:14.939 --> 00:30:15.379 many of us 00:30:15.379 --> 00:30:16.619 read a few years ago, 00:30:17.460 --> 00:30:18.379 he isn't even a Christian 00:30:18.379 --> 00:30:19.200 and yet he notices 00:30:19.200 --> 00:30:19.819 this as well 00:30:19.819 --> 00:30:20.359 and he writes, 00:30:21.359 --> 00:30:22.139 to be a Christian 00:30:22.139 --> 00:30:23.519 is to believe 00:30:23.519 --> 00:30:24.639 that God became man 00:30:24.639 --> 00:30:25.720 and suffered a death 00:30:25.720 --> 00:30:26.379 as terrible 00:30:26.379 --> 00:30:27.339 as any mortal 00:30:27.339 --> 00:30:28.279 has ever suffered. 00:30:29.599 --> 00:30:30.299 This is why 00:30:30.299 --> 00:30:31.019 the cross, 00:30:31.619 --> 00:30:32.259 that ancient 00:30:32.259 --> 00:30:33.460 implement of torture, 00:30:33.859 --> 00:30:34.619 remains what it 00:30:34.619 --> 00:30:35.599 has always been, 00:30:35.799 --> 00:30:36.759 the fitting symbol 00:30:36.759 --> 00:30:38.259 of the Christian revolution. 00:30:39.059 --> 00:30:40.179 It is the audacity 00:30:40.179 --> 00:30:40.639 of it 00:30:40.640 --> 00:30:41.740 the audacity 00:30:41.740 --> 00:30:42.300 of finding 00:30:42.300 --> 00:30:43.020 in a twisted 00:30:43.020 --> 00:30:44.060 and defeated corpse 00:30:44.060 --> 00:30:44.740 the glory 00:30:44.740 --> 00:30:45.860 of the creator 00:30:45.860 --> 00:30:46.860 of the universe 00:30:46.860 --> 00:30:48.720 that serves to explain 00:30:48.720 --> 00:30:49.280 more surely 00:30:49.280 --> 00:30:50.140 than anything else 00:30:50.140 --> 00:30:51.500 the sheer strangeness 00:30:51.500 --> 00:30:52.520 of Christianity. 00:30:53.440 --> 00:30:54.440 All are heirs 00:30:54.440 --> 00:30:55.520 to the same revolution, 00:30:55.680 --> 00:30:56.140 a revolution 00:30:56.140 --> 00:30:56.740 that has 00:30:56.740 --> 00:30:58.360 at its molten heart 00:30:58.360 --> 00:30:58.920 the image 00:30:58.920 --> 00:30:59.740 of a God 00:30:59.740 --> 00:31:01.500 dead on a cross. 00:31:03.880 --> 00:31:04.560 As Paul writes 00:31:04.560 --> 00:31:05.420 in verse 45, 00:31:05.620 --> 00:31:06.020 therefore, 00:31:06.840 --> 00:31:07.460 therefore, 00:31:08.080 --> 00:31:08.860 after he mentioned 00:31:08.860 --> 00:31:10.120 Christ becoming a servant, 00:31:10.119 --> 00:31:11.000 Christ being obedient 00:31:11.000 --> 00:31:11.679 to death on a cross, 00:31:11.959 --> 00:31:12.359 therefore, 00:31:13.039 --> 00:31:14.319 God exalted him 00:31:14.319 --> 00:31:15.819 to the highest place 00:31:15.819 --> 00:31:16.479 and gave him the name 00:31:16.479 --> 00:31:17.399 that is above every name 00:31:17.399 --> 00:31:18.359 that at the name of Jesus 00:31:18.359 --> 00:31:19.619 every knee should bow. 00:31:19.699 --> 00:31:20.839 At the name of Jesus 00:31:20.839 --> 00:31:21.879 every name should bow. 00:31:22.319 --> 00:31:23.159 The highest name, 00:31:23.419 --> 00:31:23.759 Yahweh, 00:31:23.939 --> 00:31:24.799 belongs to Jesus 00:31:24.799 --> 00:31:25.599 in heaven 00:31:25.599 --> 00:31:26.199 and on earth 00:31:26.199 --> 00:31:26.979 and under the earth 00:31:26.979 --> 00:31:27.699 and every tongue 00:31:27.699 --> 00:31:28.339 acknowledge 00:31:28.339 --> 00:31:29.719 that Jesus Christ 00:31:29.719 --> 00:31:30.759 is Yahweh, 00:31:31.019 --> 00:31:31.839 that Jesus Christ 00:31:31.839 --> 00:31:32.399 is Lord, 00:31:33.059 --> 00:31:34.219 not in opposition 00:31:34.219 --> 00:31:34.819 to the Father, 00:31:35.139 --> 00:31:35.899 but to the glory 00:31:35.900 --> 00:31:36.759 of the Father. 00:31:37.400 --> 00:31:38.560 Paul here is echoing 00:31:38.560 --> 00:31:39.960 Isaiah chapter 45 00:31:39.960 --> 00:31:41.680 here where Isaiah prophesied 00:31:41.680 --> 00:31:42.880 and all the faithful 00:31:42.880 --> 00:31:44.060 Jewish people of old 00:31:44.060 --> 00:31:44.800 hoped for the day 00:31:44.800 --> 00:31:45.540 when every knee 00:31:45.540 --> 00:31:46.019 would bow 00:31:46.019 --> 00:31:46.960 and every tongue 00:31:46.960 --> 00:31:47.820 swear allegiance 00:31:47.820 --> 00:31:48.800 to their God, 00:31:48.920 --> 00:31:49.280 Yahweh, 00:31:49.540 --> 00:31:49.880 alone. 00:31:50.060 --> 00:31:51.320 And Paul is saying here, 00:31:51.640 --> 00:31:51.900 yo, 00:31:52.920 --> 00:31:53.660 that's Jesus. 00:31:54.700 --> 00:31:56.320 The crucified slave 00:31:56.320 --> 00:31:57.240 is Yahweh 00:31:57.240 --> 00:31:59.400 and his Trinitarian glory 00:31:59.400 --> 00:32:00.420 is not at all 00:32:00.420 --> 00:32:01.040 diminished 00:32:01.040 --> 00:32:02.540 by his self-emptying love, 00:32:02.640 --> 00:32:03.360 but in fact, 00:32:03.359 --> 00:32:04.539 it is magnified 00:32:04.539 --> 00:32:05.659 all the more. 00:32:07.459 --> 00:32:08.139 And if I could just 00:32:08.139 --> 00:32:09.419 close with a final point 00:32:09.419 --> 00:32:10.019 reminding you 00:32:10.019 --> 00:32:11.019 that the incarnation 00:32:11.019 --> 00:32:11.740 of Jesus 00:32:11.740 --> 00:32:13.159 described here 00:32:13.159 --> 00:32:14.699 isn't just a picture 00:32:14.699 --> 00:32:16.259 of who God is, 00:32:17.000 --> 00:32:17.959 but it's also 00:32:17.959 --> 00:32:18.819 at the very same time 00:32:18.819 --> 00:32:20.079 a picture of what it means 00:32:20.079 --> 00:32:20.699 to be human 00:32:20.699 --> 00:32:22.240 in the most beautiful, 00:32:22.379 --> 00:32:23.139 the most honorable 00:32:23.139 --> 00:32:24.599 possible way. 00:32:25.459 --> 00:32:25.579 You know, 00:32:25.619 --> 00:32:26.479 throughout history, 00:32:26.819 --> 00:32:27.839 there have been 00:32:27.839 --> 00:32:29.579 so many counterfeit models 00:32:29.579 --> 00:32:31.099 of who is worthy 00:32:31.099 --> 00:32:32.019 to be called a Lord, 00:32:32.139 --> 00:32:32.659 who is worthy 00:32:32.659 --> 00:32:33.279 to have people 00:32:33.279 --> 00:32:33.879 bow the knee, 00:32:34.139 --> 00:32:34.660 who is worthy 00:32:34.660 --> 00:32:35.500 to have a high 00:32:35.500 --> 00:32:36.539 and noble name, 00:32:36.619 --> 00:32:36.960 and it's always 00:32:36.960 --> 00:32:37.720 had to do with power 00:32:37.720 --> 00:32:39.000 and strength 00:32:39.000 --> 00:32:39.579 and force 00:32:39.579 --> 00:32:40.359 and wealth 00:32:40.359 --> 00:32:41.019 and beauty 00:32:41.019 --> 00:32:41.519 and cunning 00:32:41.519 --> 00:32:42.099 and intelligence 00:32:42.099 --> 00:32:42.759 and all sorts 00:32:42.759 --> 00:32:44.279 of other meritorious 00:32:44.279 --> 00:32:44.940 factors. 00:32:46.180 --> 00:32:47.359 But in Christ, 00:32:48.359 --> 00:32:49.299 in Christ, 00:32:49.759 --> 00:32:50.319 we find that 00:32:50.319 --> 00:32:51.160 the most perfect way 00:32:51.160 --> 00:32:51.740 to be human 00:32:51.740 --> 00:32:54.019 is not by merit, 00:32:54.799 --> 00:32:56.740 not by self-exaltation, 00:32:57.379 --> 00:32:58.799 but through humbling 00:32:58.799 --> 00:32:59.299 oneself, 00:33:00.079 --> 00:33:00.859 emptying oneself, 00:33:01.099 --> 00:33:01.779 making oneself 00:33:01.779 --> 00:33:02.339 a servant 00:33:02.339 --> 00:33:03.619 even unto death. 00:33:04.819 --> 00:33:05.440 And this probably 00:33:05.440 --> 00:33:06.220 sounds crazy, 00:33:06.720 --> 00:33:07.559 probably sounds terrible 00:33:07.559 --> 00:33:08.460 to most of us, 00:33:08.819 --> 00:33:09.619 and many of us 00:33:09.619 --> 00:33:10.339 are suffering 00:33:10.339 --> 00:33:12.019 under terrible injustices 00:33:12.019 --> 00:33:13.059 and afflictions 00:33:13.059 --> 00:33:14.519 and terrible scarcity. 00:33:15.500 --> 00:33:16.339 But what I believe 00:33:16.339 --> 00:33:17.440 this is saying to us, 00:33:17.539 --> 00:33:18.000 what I believe 00:33:18.000 --> 00:33:19.379 Jesus shows us here 00:33:19.379 --> 00:33:20.700 is the good news 00:33:20.700 --> 00:33:22.259 that when we humble 00:33:22.259 --> 00:33:22.839 ourselves 00:33:22.839 --> 00:33:24.160 and when we face 00:33:24.160 --> 00:33:25.359 suffering and hardship 00:33:25.359 --> 00:33:26.059 and scarcity 00:33:26.059 --> 00:33:27.559 even near to death, 00:33:27.559 --> 00:33:30.059 if we are united 00:33:30.059 --> 00:33:30.720 with Christ, 00:33:31.379 --> 00:33:32.539 we cannot lose, 00:33:33.099 --> 00:33:34.139 we can only win. 00:33:34.879 --> 00:33:36.039 Our stories are never 00:33:36.039 --> 00:33:37.039 beyond redemption 00:33:37.039 --> 00:33:37.799 and the endings 00:33:37.799 --> 00:33:38.419 of our stories 00:33:38.419 --> 00:33:39.039 will one day 00:33:39.039 --> 00:33:40.480 surely end like His 00:33:40.480 --> 00:33:42.079 in honor and glory 00:33:42.079 --> 00:33:43.019 beyond anything 00:33:43.019 --> 00:33:44.559 we could have imagined. 00:33:45.339 --> 00:33:46.500 And this is how 00:33:46.500 --> 00:33:47.200 the gospel 00:33:47.200 --> 00:33:49.200 inspires and empowers 00:33:49.200 --> 00:33:50.259 our self-denying, 00:33:50.619 --> 00:33:51.220 self-giving, 00:33:51.599 --> 00:33:52.659 Christ-like unity 00:33:52.659 --> 00:33:53.500 as citizens 00:33:53.500 --> 00:33:54.519 of the gospel 00:33:54.519 --> 00:33:56.139 and as witnesses 00:33:56.139 --> 00:33:57.599 to the watching world. 00:33:57.700 --> 00:33:58.720 This is how we are free 00:33:58.720 --> 00:33:59.920 to live differently 00:33:59.920 --> 00:34:00.799 than everyone else 00:34:00.799 --> 00:34:01.180 in the world 00:34:01.180 --> 00:34:01.879 who is striving 00:34:01.879 --> 00:34:02.779 and grasping 00:34:02.779 --> 00:34:03.460 and sweating 00:34:03.460 --> 00:34:04.779 to make their bread. 00:34:04.980 --> 00:34:06.039 We don't have to grasp. 00:34:06.460 --> 00:34:07.500 We don't have to seize 00:34:07.500 --> 00:34:08.179 in Christ. 00:34:08.719 --> 00:34:09.880 We see the perfect model 00:34:09.880 --> 00:34:10.599 of being human. 00:34:10.940 --> 00:34:12.360 He humbled Himself 00:34:12.360 --> 00:34:13.480 and then God 00:34:13.480 --> 00:34:14.659 exalted Him 00:34:14.659 --> 00:34:15.840 and that's a picture 00:34:15.840 --> 00:34:16.679 of the gospel. 00:34:17.840 --> 00:34:18.519 The gospel says 00:34:18.519 --> 00:34:20.099 we can humble ourselves 00:34:20.099 --> 00:34:21.559 because we trust 00:34:21.559 --> 00:34:22.619 that God will exalt us. 00:34:22.679 --> 00:34:23.719 We don't have to exalt ourselves 00:34:23.719 --> 00:34:24.539 but we can trust 00:34:24.539 --> 00:34:25.219 that we will share 00:34:25.219 --> 00:34:25.879 in the glory 00:34:25.879 --> 00:34:27.619 and in the imperishable 00:34:27.619 --> 00:34:28.179 inheritance 00:34:28.179 --> 00:34:30.079 of the beloved Son of God, 00:34:30.459 --> 00:34:31.480 the resurrected King 00:34:31.480 --> 00:34:32.099 of the universe. 00:34:33.659 --> 00:34:34.799 So because of Christ, 00:34:35.480 --> 00:34:36.179 because of Christ, 00:34:36.279 --> 00:34:36.739 we know 00:34:36.739 --> 00:34:38.039 that to be human 00:34:38.039 --> 00:34:39.459 is not having to spend 00:34:39.459 --> 00:34:40.319 the rest of our lives 00:34:40.319 --> 00:34:40.859 anxiously 00:34:40.859 --> 00:34:42.119 protecting our own names, 00:34:42.299 --> 00:34:43.159 protecting our resumes, 00:34:43.379 --> 00:34:44.039 protecting our wealth, 00:34:44.279 --> 00:34:44.679 our comfort, 00:34:44.919 --> 00:34:45.519 our boundaries. 00:34:45.819 --> 00:34:45.959 No. 00:34:46.719 --> 00:34:47.980 If Jesus did not consider 00:34:47.980 --> 00:34:48.919 the comfort and status 00:34:48.919 --> 00:34:49.439 of heaven 00:34:49.439 --> 00:34:50.619 something to be grasped, 00:34:51.259 --> 00:34:52.359 why should we feel 00:34:52.359 --> 00:34:53.179 the need to grasp 00:34:53.179 --> 00:34:54.419 at this or that, 00:34:54.980 --> 00:34:55.679 at this salary, 00:34:55.940 --> 00:34:56.579 at this lifestyle, 00:34:56.699 --> 00:34:57.399 at this status? 00:34:58.839 --> 00:34:59.639 What if instead 00:34:59.639 --> 00:35:00.980 we approached 00:35:00.980 --> 00:35:01.940 every good thing 00:35:01.940 --> 00:35:02.719 in our life 00:35:02.719 --> 00:35:04.539 simply as a gift from God 00:35:04.539 --> 00:35:05.359 not to be hoarded 00:35:05.359 --> 00:35:06.899 but to be stewarded 00:35:06.899 --> 00:35:07.759 and shared 00:35:07.759 --> 00:35:09.079 in the name 00:35:09.079 --> 00:35:10.019 of Jesus 00:35:10.019 --> 00:35:11.759 or time 00:35:11.759 --> 00:35:13.279 or talent 00:35:13.279 --> 00:35:14.619 or treasure 00:35:14.619 --> 00:35:16.019 or maybe 00:35:16.019 --> 00:35:16.919 for some of us 00:35:16.919 --> 00:35:17.819 it's not so much 00:35:17.819 --> 00:35:18.299 the challenge 00:35:18.299 --> 00:35:19.239 of what do I need 00:35:19.239 --> 00:35:19.699 to give up 00:35:19.699 --> 00:35:20.059 and share 00:35:20.059 --> 00:35:20.919 for the sake of others 00:35:20.920 --> 00:35:22.200 but how can I 00:35:22.200 --> 00:35:23.039 empty myself 00:35:23.039 --> 00:35:24.639 by adding 00:35:24.639 --> 00:35:26.780 adding servanthood 00:35:26.780 --> 00:35:27.760 to my life 00:35:27.760 --> 00:35:28.579 as Jesus did 00:35:28.579 --> 00:35:30.019 addition 00:35:30.019 --> 00:35:31.619 by subtraction 00:35:31.619 --> 00:35:32.240 by addition 00:35:32.240 --> 00:35:34.119 what might God 00:35:34.119 --> 00:35:34.760 be calling me 00:35:34.760 --> 00:35:35.360 what might God 00:35:35.360 --> 00:35:36.159 be calling us 00:35:36.159 --> 00:35:36.659 today 00:35:36.659 --> 00:35:37.900 to pick up 00:35:37.900 --> 00:35:38.300 and add 00:35:38.300 --> 00:35:39.340 what particular mission 00:35:39.340 --> 00:35:39.800 might God 00:35:39.800 --> 00:35:40.460 be calling me 00:35:40.460 --> 00:35:41.680 to give my life 00:35:41.680 --> 00:35:42.180 to 00:35:42.180 --> 00:35:44.480 but either way 00:35:44.480 --> 00:35:45.480 whether it's 00:35:45.480 --> 00:35:46.260 emptying ourselves 00:35:46.260 --> 00:35:46.760 by giving 00:35:46.760 --> 00:35:47.720 or emptying ourselves 00:35:47.719 --> 00:35:48.839 by taking up service 00:35:48.839 --> 00:35:50.399 if we are united 00:35:50.399 --> 00:35:51.359 with Christ 00:35:51.359 --> 00:35:52.079 by faith 00:35:52.079 --> 00:35:53.519 if we believe 00:35:53.519 --> 00:35:54.279 in the beauty 00:35:54.279 --> 00:35:55.419 of the Christ hymn 00:35:55.419 --> 00:35:57.480 we can rest assured 00:35:57.480 --> 00:35:58.980 that our God 00:35:58.980 --> 00:35:59.859 who emptied himself 00:35:59.859 --> 00:36:00.599 for us 00:36:00.599 --> 00:36:02.159 is the same God 00:36:02.159 --> 00:36:03.419 who will one day 00:36:03.419 --> 00:36:04.239 exalt us 00:36:04.239 --> 00:36:05.179 with himself 00:36:05.179 --> 00:36:06.000 forever 00:36:06.000 --> 00:36:08.239 and that's the good news 00:36:08.239 --> 00:36:08.879 of Christianity 00:36:08.879 --> 00:36:10.679 the uniquely good news 00:36:10.679 --> 00:36:11.899 of Christianity 00:36:11.899 --> 00:36:13.919 will you pray with me 00:36:13.920 --> 00:36:21.200 O Lord 00:36:21.200 --> 00:36:21.820 make this 00:36:21.820 --> 00:36:23.000 Christ hymn 00:36:23.000 --> 00:36:24.260 the hymn 00:36:24.260 --> 00:36:24.940 of our hearts 00:36:24.940 --> 00:36:26.980 the habit 00:36:26.980 --> 00:36:27.880 of our hands 00:36:27.880 --> 00:36:29.659 as we go out 00:36:29.659 --> 00:36:30.340 in the name of Jesus 00:36:30.340 --> 00:36:31.159 not grasping 00:36:31.159 --> 00:36:31.659 but giving 00:36:31.659 --> 00:36:33.300 not striving 00:36:33.300 --> 00:36:34.099 but serving 00:36:34.099 --> 00:36:36.980 out of your abundant love 00:36:36.980 --> 00:36:38.220 for this world 00:36:38.220 --> 00:36:38.880 O God 00:36:38.880 --> 00:36:40.220 make us more like Jesus 00:36:40.220 --> 00:36:43.039 help us to enjoy 00:36:43.039 --> 00:36:43.699 our union 00:36:43.699 --> 00:36:44.320 and communion 00:36:44.320 --> 00:36:46.840 with the one 00:36:46.840 --> 00:36:48.119 who is in very nature 00:36:48.119 --> 00:36:48.639 God 00:36:48.639 --> 00:36:50.960 who loved us 00:36:50.960 --> 00:36:51.880 to death 00:36:51.880 --> 00:36:52.519 on a cross 00:36:52.519 --> 00:36:54.559 and make the world 00:36:54.559 --> 00:36:55.480 a different place 00:36:55.480 --> 00:36:56.699 because of the way 00:36:56.699 --> 00:36:57.739 that we commune with 00:36:57.739 --> 00:36:58.460 and adore 00:36:58.460 --> 00:36:59.980 and seek to live out 00:36:59.980 --> 00:37:01.940 the spirit 00:37:01.940 --> 00:37:02.940 presence of Christ 00:37:02.940 --> 00:37:04.099 in the world 00:37:04.099 --> 00:37:05.980 do that Lord 00:37:05.980 --> 00:37:06.960 in us 00:37:06.960 --> 00:37:07.860 in Christ's church 00:37:07.860 --> 00:37:08.579 in your church 00:37:08.579 --> 00:37:09.039 O God 00:37:09.039 --> 00:37:10.400 for the glory 00:37:10.400 --> 00:37:10.840 of your name 00:37:10.840 --> 00:37:11.500 and for the good 00:37:11.500 --> 00:37:12.679 of the nations 00:37:12.679 --> 00:37:13.199 we pray 00:37:13.199 --> 00:37:15.159 in Jesus' name 00:37:15.159 --> 00:37:16.420 Amen 00:37:16.420 --> 00:37:17.300 Amen 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:17.300 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:47.280 Thank you.